Posted April 17, 2020
Inspiration for the year ahead
In this article we’re going over 5 building trends that may or may not give you the inspiration you’ve been looking for. From exterior to the interior, we’ve got you covered with the hottest trends right now.
1. Colour synergy
The first noticeable new trend in the industry is the synergy of colour carried throughout properties. Long gone are the days of multi-coloured brick exteriors with white picket fences. Say hello to fences and decor that match the exterior. Not only is there colour synergy in homes more than ever before, the colours also tend to be more neutral which is a direct result of the minimalist movement. Colour synergy is very pleasing to the eye which is why it’s no wonder it’s so popular. A common colour combination we’ve been seeing a lot of is white and light wood.
2. Open plan kitchen/living areas
In an age where things are constantly changing, new builds have had to keep up with the new trend demand. Open plan kitchen/living areas have become increasingly popular over the past 5 years as they allow homeowners to easily rearrange their furniture to create new spaces. If you get tired of one look you can easily move things around to create something entirely different. THis is also achieved with the help of large rugs and new pieces of furniture. Open plan kitchen/living areas are also a treat for on-the-go parents who want to interact with their kids as much as possible – a thing that’s hard to do when you’re slaving away in a separated kitchen after work. With this trend you no longer have to choose between one or the other.
3. Outdoor living
Indoor/outdoor flow has become a big selling point for new builds. Many people enjoy hosting which has seen the increase of sliding doors from an open plan living area to a designated outdoor living space such as a deck or garden. With the beautiful summers we have here in New Zealand, it’s no wonder people want the option of lounging in the sun from the comfort of their own homes. Having a designated outdoor living area takes full advantage of what your property has to offer.
4. Sustainable materials
In 2020 we’re all painfully aware of our effect on the planet which means the demand for sustainable/eco-friendly materials has increased tenfold. While the majority of people aren’t opting for straw houses, they’re still very considerate of their house’s carbon footprint and what they can do to create an eco-friendly home that will stand the test of time as well as harsh weather. This has seen a rise in popularity of homes with concrete, timber/recycled wood, mud brick, and natural stone. Solar panels and other innovative heating solutions have also increased in popularity as they’ve become more accessible than ever before.
5. Polished concrete flooring
The last building trend on our list is something that has sprung into popularity recently – polished concrete flooring. Many people are opting to polish their concrete slab foundation for both aesthetics and the sake of their wallet. You may wonder why anyone on earth would want concrete flooring in their home. You may even be under the impression that it would be cold. Polished concrete flooring provides a truly unique look that’s loved by thousands, it also requires little to no upkeep unlike wooden flooring that can warp; and carpet that can stain.
Better yet, MAXRaft® offers concrete slab foundations that polish up beautifully and even offer underfloor heating! The slab itself is also insulated which means pairing it with underfloor heating eliminates the need for carpet.
Some benefits of MAXRaft® concrete slab foundations include but are not limited to:
For more information on polished concrete flooring go to https://www.maxraft.co.nz/ or call us at 0800 629 7238
